Light tight package



Sept. 10, 1968 1. R. PUENTE LIGH'I TIGHT PACKAGE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 22, 1967 Sept. 10, 1968 J. R. PUENTE 3,400,809

LIGIIT TIGHT PACKAGE Filecl May 22, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent O 3,400809 LICHT TIGHT PACKAGE Jose R. Puente, Brighton, N.Y. assignor to Product Pack aging Corporation, Rochester, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed May 22, 1967, Set. No. 640,271 10 Claims. (Cl. 206-62) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Disclosed is a pack age useful for the storage and transportation of fragile plates coated with photosensitive material. The package comprises a carrier rnemher in which the plates are positioned on edge and in parallel longitudinally spaced relatonship. A cushion member is on top of the plates. Preferably the cushion member is a laminated pad comprising a plate abuttng strip of low density open cell flexible plastic foarn and on top of that a protective strip of higher density closed cell flexible plastic foarn. The carrier member and cushion member are encased in an opaque tubular case member closed at each end by opaque and closure members that engage the ends of the tubular case member in light tight relationship. The carrier member with its load of plates and the cushion mernher in place occupy substantially all of the interior space of the tubular member between the end closure rnembers. Preferably the fit is such that the cushion member is compressed slightly against the plates by the corresponding adjacent wall of the case member.

Background of the z'nventon There is a need for a light tight package for the storage and transportation of a plurality of fragile glass plates coated with photosensitive material. Preferably these plates are handled only edgewise and the coated slides thereof do not corne into contact with other surfaces while -being handled, stored and transporated. It is also desirable that the plates, while being stored and transported in the package, receive substantial protection from glass shattering impacts. In addition, it is desirable that the light tight package be readily made from relatively inexpensive materials of constructon, and he capahle of manufacture by high speed procedures.

An object of this invention is to provide such a package.

Another object of this invention is to provide a generally improved and more satisfactory light tight package.

Brief descrpton of the drawngs These and other desirable objects are attained by this invention which is described with reference to the drawings which are a materal part of this disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred specific embodiment of a light tight package of this invention with a portion of the exterior structure removed to reveal partly diagrammatically illustrated internal structure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the light tight package of FIG. 1 with a portion of the carrier mem-her heing diagramrnatically illustrated;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the plate carrier and cushion members of the light tight package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the carrier member of the light tight package of FIG. 1, which view has been taken as indicated by the view plane 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the carrier member of the package of FIG. 1, which view has been taken as indicated by the olfset sectioning plane 55 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of one of the side walls of the carrier member, which view has been taken as indicated by the sectioning plane 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the tubular case member with one end closure member of the light tight package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the other end closure member of the light tght package of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the plate carrier member and cushion member of another preferred, specific embodirnent of the light tight package of this invention.

Detaled descrpton of a preferred embodimem In greater detail, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a specific light tight package 11 of this nvention, useful for the storage and transportation of a plurality of fragile glass plates 13 coated with photosensitive materal. These plates are substantially rectangular, usually square, and have substantially the sarne dimensions. The specific light tight package 11 (see FIG. 1) comprises a plate carrier Inember 15, a cushion rnernber 17, a tubular case member 19 and a pair of end closure members 21 and 23.

The plate carrier mernber 15 (sec FIG. 2) is a boxlike container structure having in general a pair of side walls 25 and 27, a front end wal] 29, a back end wall 31 and a botton1 wal] 33. The side walls 25 and 27 (sec FIGS. 3 and 6) have at longitudinally, preferably regularly, spaced intervals inwardly extending recesses 34. These recesses provde between thernselves and the end walls substantially tranversely alined, normally vertically oriented, linear grooves 35 for receiving preferably in sliding -fit corresponding edge portions of the glass plates 13 when placed on end into the carrier mem ber 15 in substantially parallel, longitudinally spaced relationship. Preferably the plate carrier member 15 is vacuum ormed from a sheet of thermoplastic resin material. A preferred material is polypropylene. Other thermoplastic resins including other polyolefin resins can also be employed. T0 achieve the desired structural strength and rigidity, it is preferred that the sheet of thermoplastic resin materal have sufficient thickness to be suhstantially stiff or rgd, and that the plate carrier mernber 15 be shaped so as to be interior load supporting as well as to afford to fragile plates disposed in the grooves 35 side and bottom protection trom impact forces. Bach side wall 25 and 27 from the front end wal] 29 to the back end wal] 31 has an outwardly offset rim portion 37 (sec FIGS. 2 and 5). This plus the rib-like alternate recesses 34 and grooves 35 give a structure that ressts inward buc=kling of each side wall when appropriately directed orces are applied thereto. In addition, it is preferred that the bottom wall 33 have a central recess 39 that extends from the front end wall to the back end wall. This not only helps strengthen the structure, but provides a support surface for the bottom edges of the fragile plates dsposed in the grooves 35.

Preferably the front end wall 29 of: the plate carrier member 15 comprises a pull or tab 39 to assist rernoval of the plate carrier member 15 through one end of the tubular case member. In the embodirnent shown the pull is integral with the front end wal] 29 and preferably normally extends longitudinally ontwardly from the front end wall, while being bendable so as to lie flat against the front end wal] when the plate carrier member 15 is within the tubular case member 19 with the end closure members 21 and 23 thereon, and havng memory s0 as to spring back into its normally outwardly extending position when the corre spondng Lfront end closure member 23 is removed from the tubular case member 19.

The cushion member 17 (see FIG. 5) is a two layer pad comprising an inner layer 41 and an outer layer 43. The inner layer 41 is an elongated, rectangular strip of low density (for example, two pounds per eubic foot), open cell, flexible, foarned resin material. A preferred material is polyurethane which can be of the polyester, polyether or other type. The inner layer 41 preferably has suflicient length to extend substantially IOI11 one end to the other of the carrier member 15, and suflicent width to extend substantially trom one side to the other of the carrier member. Normally the inner strip 41 is the part of the cushion member 17 that rests on the top ends of the plates 13 in the plate carrier member 15. The outer layer 43 is another elngated, rectangular, fiexible strip of foamed resn material. A preferred 1naterial is foamed polypropyiene resn material. However, it has relative1y substantiaiiy higher density (tor exarnp1e, fout pounds per cubic oot), and is a closed ce1l material. In the embodirnent shown it has suficient 1ength to extend substantially from one end to the other of the carrier member and suficient width to extend substantially from one side to the other of the carrier member. It normaliy is on the upper or oute1 side of the inner layer 41 and forms a protective skin for the inner layer 41, particnlarly When the plate carrier member 115 with a load of plates 13 and the cushion member 17 in position thereon are being inserted into the lubular case member 19. In this connection, it is preferred that the cushion member 17 be partially compressed by the corresponding wall of the case member 19. This con1pression takes place as the cushion member passes the front end of the case member 19. Preferably the inner and outer layers of the cushion member 17 are secnred to one another as by a suitabie adhesive, heat sealing or the like. In the embodiment shown the cushion member 17 is joined te the plate carrier member 15 by at least one straplike hinge portion 45 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) of a sidewa1l 27. In the embodiment shown there are two hinge portions 45. In other embodiments, however, only one hnge portion 45 is involved and in at least one of these embodiments the hinge portion extends substantially from one end to substantially the other end of the plate carrier member The hinge portion in the ernbodiment shown is joined as by heat sealing to the denser outer layer 43 of the cushion member 17.

The tubular case member 19 is a hollow section of tubing, the interior of which has a cross sectiona1 shape that can accommodate the plate carrier member 15 When loaded with plates 13 and with the cushion member 17 in position on top of the plates 13. Preferably the interior cross sectional shape of the tubular case member 119 is such that the rim portions 37 of the side wa11s are adjacent, desirably in sliding fit, the corresponding walls of the case member and, in order to fit in, the cushion member 11 is partially compressed. The tnbu1ar case member 19 is made from an opaque material of construction and preferably has a high degree of rigidty and impact resistance. A preferred material of construction is high impact polystyrene resn material.

The end closure members 21 and 23 in the embodiment shown (see FIGS. 7 and 8) are cap-like members that fit over the ends of the tubular case member 19 in a cap-like and light sealing manner. Bach end closure member has a skirt portion 49 intended to bear substantially 2111 the way around aganst the exterior sunface of the corresponding end portion of the tubnlar case member 19. In addition, each end closure member has an inwardly recessed end wall 51, the interior sides of which are intended to bear substantially all the way around against the interior surface of the corresponding end portion of the tubular case member 19. Eaoh end closure member 21 and 23 is made from opaqne material, preferably opaque thermoplastic resn material. Indeed, it is preferred to vacuum form the end closure members 21 and 23 from thin sheets of thermoplastic resn materals. T0 obtain the desired structural strength and degree of rigidity, it is preferred that the end wall 51 of each end closure member have a central, rectangular, outwardly projecting portion 53. A1so, it is preferred that the end closure member 21 at norma1ly the back end of the tubular case member 19 be secured to the case member as by heat sealing or, as in the embodiment shown, by

a suitable bonding agent or adhesive 54 (see FIG. 7). A preferred material of construction for the back end closure member 21 is high impact polystyrene material. On the other hand, it is preferred that the other or front end closure member 23 be separable from the case member 19. A preferred material of construction for the front end closure member or for both end closure members When both are separable, is one which gives to the end closure member a form fitting or pliable property whi1e having memory so that it retains itsgeneral structural shape. This aids in establishing and maintaining a light seal between the tubular case member 19 and the end closure member. An examp1e of such a materia1 of Construction is 1ow density polyethylene resn material.

T0 use the light tight package 11, the photosensitive glass plates 13 are placed in the plate carrier member 15, the cushion member 17 is swung into position on top of the plates 13, and the plate carrier member with its load of plates 13 and the cushion member 17 thereon is inserted into the open front end of the tubular case member 19. When the loaded plate carrier member 15 has been inserted to the extent that the back end wall 31 thereof abuts the back end closure member 21, the pull 39 is bent downwardly and the separable end closure member 23is p1aced into position over the front end of the case member 19, thereby closing off the open front end of the case member to the extent that no exterior light can enter the interior thereof.

The light tight package 11 is opened by pu1ling the separable end closure member 23 away frorn the front end of the tubular case member 19, whereupon the pull 39 pivots upwardly. The pull 39 is grasped and pulled to remove the plate carrier member 15 from the case member 19. The cushion member 17 is then tilted or swung backwardly to thereby provide access to the plates 13.

Detailed descrpton of another preferred embodment The specific light tight package involved in FIG. 9 is alike in all respects to the specific light tght package 11 of FIGS. 1-8, except for the structure of the plate carrier member and of the cushion member.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 comprises a plate carrier member 55 having substantially the same structure as the plate carrier member 15 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, except that it has no hinge portion or portions 45.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 comprises a cushion member 57 that is substantially the same as the cushion member 17 of the light tight package 11 of FIGS. 18, except that the denser outer layer has at least at one end and preferably at both ends a longitudinally outwardly extendng tab portion 59 that normally is bent downward1y t0 fit between the corresponding end wall of the plate carrier member 55 and the last opposed pair of ribs, or into the last groove at the corresponding end of the plate carrier member. In one embodiment, between the tab portion 59 at the inner end thereof and the main portion of the outer layer there is a transverse fold line or indentation or crease formed by pressing heated dul1 knife-like means adjacent the outer layer on one or both sides thereof. When the fold line is formed and while the indented portion is still plastic or moldable and before it has set or hardened into the non-moldable condition, the tab portion 59 is bent downwardly. This gives a permanent normally downwardly bend to the tab portion 59.

The light tight package involved in FIG. 9 is used in mnch the same way as the light tight package 11 in FIGS. 1-8, except that after loading the plate carrier member 55 with glass plates, the cushion member 57 is placed into position with each end tab 59 bent downwardly and inserted into the end groove at each end of the plate carrier member 55. T0 obtain access to the plates 13 and the plate carrier member 55 after it has been removed from the tubular case member, the cushion member 57 is rnere1y lifted away from the plate carrier member 55 untl the tabs 59 are pulled out of the end grooves, and then moved 0 to one side.

Thus there is provided a light tight package of simple, but yet rugged construction. It can be made inexpensively from readily avalable inexpensive materials. At the same time, it provides a high degree of protection t0 fragile glass plates stored and transported therein.

0ther features, advantages and specific embodiments of this invention will be readily apparent t0 those in the exercise of ordinary skill in the pertinent art after reading the foregoing dsclosure. T-he specific embodiments herein described are presented for purposes of illustrati0n and net of limitation, and variations and modifications of them can be eiected without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:

1. A light tight package useful for storing and transporting a plurality of fragile plates coated with photosensitive material, said plates being substantially rectangular and having substantially the same dimensions, which comprises:

a carrier member having a front end wall, a back end wal], two side walls and a bottorn wal], at least one of said side walls and at least one of said bottom wall and the other of said side walls providng at longtudinally spaced intervals, equal in number to said plurality, normally vertically oriented, subtially transversely alined grooves that receive in at least sliding fit corresponding edge portions of said plates when placed normally vertically into said carrier in substantially parallel, longitudinally spaced relatonship;

a cushion member f0r placement on the top edges of said plates when in positon in said carrier member, said cushion member comprising a first elongated rectangular strip of Iow density open cell flexible foamed resn material, said strip being normally positioned on said top edges, having sufficient length to extend substantially trom one end of said carrier member to the other, and having suf ficient width to extend substantially trom one side of said carrier member to the other, and a second elongated rectangular strip of relatively higher density closed cell flexible foamed resin material normally positioned on top of said first strip, having sufficient length to extend substantially from one end of said carrier member to the ether, and sufficient width to extend substantially trom one side of said carrier member to the other, said first strip being secured to said second strip;

a substantially rigid opaque tubular case member, rectangular in cross section and dimensoned to receive said carrier member loaded with said plates with said cushion member in normal poston thereon and partially compressed; and

opaque, light tight, substantially rigid, end closure members for closing each end of said tubular case member and establishing and maintaining the interior of said case member free of exterior light with the end closure member at least at one end of said case member beng removable trom said tubing section.

2. A light tight package according to claim 1, wherein said carrier member comprises at least at one end a pull for pulling said carrier member out of said tubing section when one end thereof is open, said pull being movable from a longitudnally outwardly extending position to a transversely oriented position adjacent the exterior of the corresponding end Wal].

3. A light tight package according to claim 2, wherein said container member and said pull are vacum formed from a substantially stift sheet of thermoplastic resin material.

4. A light tight package according to claim 3, wherein said second strip of said cushion member is joined on one side to said carrier member.

5. A light tight package according to claim 4, wherein said carrier member has a strap-like hinge porton extending upwardly from one of said side walls and secured to said second strip. 6. A light tight package according to claim 4, wherein said second elongated strip extends longitudinally beyond at least one end of said first strip by a dstance sufficient to enable the corresponding end portion of said second strip to be bent downwardly and positioned adjacent the interior of the corresponding end wal] when said cushion member is in position.

7. A light tight package according to claim 6, wherein adjacent said end 0f said first strip said second strip is transversely creased with the longitudinally enter portion of said second strip having a normally downwardly permanent bend at said crease.

8. A light tight package according to claim 1, wherein one of said end closure means is seeured to said tubing section.

9. A light tight package according to claim 1, where in at least one of said end closure members is removable and has a skirt portion that, when in position, normally bears against the exterior surface substantially all around said tubular case member adjacent said end, and has an nwardly recessed portion that normally bears aganst the interor surface substantially all around said tubular case member adjacent said end.

10. A light tight package according to claim 1, wherein said carrier member has outwardly projecting side wall rin1 portions that normally are adjacent in at least sliding fit correspondng walls of said case member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3063549 11/1962 Weichselbaum 2061 3,091,327 5/ 1963 Lally 206-1 3123,209 3/1964 Burket et al. 206-62 FOREIGN PATENTS 1179,099 12/1958 France.

MARTHA L. RICE, Prmary Examiner. 

